5 Ways iOS 11 Helps Transform Teaching and Learning

On Tuesday, September 19, 2017, Apple, Inc. released its much-anticipated update to its mobile software, iOS 11. Students and educators alike will be pleased with the updates available for the iPod Touch, iPhone, and iPad. There are a number of improvements, enhancements, and new features; however, I will only focus on my 5 favorite ways these new iterations can be leveraged to transform teaching and learning.

Screen Recording

First, students and educators need to turn on the new Screen Recording feature in iOS 11. They need to start by going to Settings > Control Center > Customize Controls > Screen Recording. Being able to screen record directly on the iPad will allow educators to easily create tutorial videos and how-tos. In addition, it provides students with a new and easier way to show what they know, think, feel, and understand using any applications on the iPad. Once done with the screencast, recordings are automaticallty stored in the Photos app.

QR Code Scanner

Educators love integrating Quick Response Codes into the learning environment. They make it easier for students and teachers to access documents, photos, videos, and a myriad of other content. iOS 11 now has a QR Scanner built directly into the native Camera app. To access it, all students and teachers need to do is open the Camera app, scan the provided QR Code, and I drop down notification will appear directing them to the content.

Scan Documents

Another new integrated feature in iOS 11 is the built-in document scanner. To access this feature, head over to the Notes app, start a new note and hit the plus (+) button. There is now an option to Scan Documents. Once documents are scanned in, students and teachers can annotate them using Markup, organize them within the Notes app, Create PDFs, and so much more. This is a game changer allowing educators and students to leverage this feature in the digital workflow, for digital note-taking, and to create digital notebooks.

Augmented Reality

With iOS 11, Apple’s mobile devices have become the largest augmented reality platform in the world. AR may very well be the future of education. This technology will allow lessons to be more immersive, engaging, and content-rich. With AR apps, publishers and education technology companies, institutions, and organizations can add layers to textbooks and other learning environments to enhance teaching and learning. Think Pokémon Go that fosters innovation in education.

Multitasking

Multitasking on iOS devices has never been more seamless or intuitive. Students and teachers can open second apps from the Dock using Slide Over for a Split View that helps increase productivity. In addition, the new App Switcher provides a better view of more apps for students and teachers to get back to their App Spaces. Not to mention, with Drag and Drop, it is easier to move content from one application to another when curating content, composing emails, or creating documents.

And more...

These are only but a few of the new features available in iOS 11 (there are literally hundreds more). It has never been a better time for students and teachers to leverage Apple’s hardware and software to transform teaching and learning. What are some of your favorite new iOS 11 features?